SpaceX on Tuesday successfully deployed the 4,700-kg GSAT-N2 satellite by NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), ISRO's commercial arm. The satellite was carried into orbit aboard SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket, which lifted off from Cape Canaveral in Florida at 12:01 am IST.

The GSAT-N2 satellite is equipped with cutting-edge Ka-band high-throughput communication technology and is designed to operate for 14 years. The satellite, after it comes online, will boost India's communication services by improving internet access in remote areas.

"GSAT-N2 with 48 Gbps throughput capacity over India including A&N and Lakshadweep islands would cater to Broadband and IFMC service needs of the country," NSIL said in a post on X.

ALSO SEE: SpaceX Breaks Own Record With 100 Successful Launches In 2024; Elon Musk Congratulates Team

While India has successfully launched over 430 foreign satellites, GSAT-N2's size and weight necessitated a collaboration with SpaceX. At 4,700 kg, the satellite is beyond the payload capacity of ISRO's most powerful launch vehicle, the LVM-3, which can only handle up to 4,000 kg for geosynchronous transfer orbits. This made Falcon 9 the ideal choice for the mission.

The GSAT-N2 mission was part of an intense launch schedule for SpaceX. It was one of three Falcon 9 launches conducted within a span of just 20 hours. With this launch, SpaceX completed its 114th Falcon mission of the year, showcasing the company's remarkable efficiency and reliability.

"Congrats SpaceX team on completing 3 successful orbital launches in 20 hours!" SpaceX CEO Elon Musk said in a post on X.

ALSO SEE: SpaceX Rocket Delights Onlookers With 'Space Jellyfish' In Starlink Mission; Watch

(Image: SpaceX)